Bangalore University (BU) is a public state university that started on 10 July 1964 under the Government of the erstwhile Mysore State. It first worked as a branch of the University of Mysore, became an independent university in 1973, and is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Bangalore University has NAAC Grade A++ accreditation. In NIRF 2025, it is ranked 65th overall in India and 26th among state public universities.

The university has two campuses in Bengaluru. The main Jnana Bharathi campus covers 1,100 acres in western Bengaluru and has 48 postgraduate departments under six faculties. The Central College campus, located in the city centre, houses undergraduate and science departments. Bangalore University also affiliates more than 680 colleges in southern Karnataka.

  • BA / B.Com / BCA / B.Sc, UG courses in Arts, Commerce, Computer Applications, and Science through direct and affiliated colleges
  • BE (Engineering), UG engineering in AI/ML and related branches through affiliated engineering colleges
  • B.Arch, a five-year Bachelor of Architecture direct programme
  • BA LLB / LLM, five-year integrated law and postgraduate law courses
  • MBA / MCA, postgraduate courses in management and computer applications
  • MA / M.Com / M.Sc / M.Ed / M.P.Ed / MSW, PG programmes in humanities, commerce, science, education, physical education, and social work
  • M.Tech / M.Arch, postgraduate programmes in engineering and architecture
  • PhD and postgraduate diploma programmes in different disciplines

The full three-year BA fee is INR 21,458, while B.Com costs INR 34,370. The total fee for MBA and MCA is INR 39,350 each. The BE fee for four years is INR 54,210.

Students may apply for SC/ST/OBC scholarships, the Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child, and the PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders through state and central government routes.

In recent placement rounds, the highest package across programmes was INR 10 LPA. NIRF 2025 data shows a PG median salary of INR 4.5 LPA, while Law PG students recorded a median salary of INR 14 LPA.

Admission Update: Bangalore University admissions for the 2026-27 academic session have ended. KCET and PGCET counselling for engineering, MBA, and MCA finished by August 2026. The next 2027-28 admission cycle is expected to begin with KCET registration in January 2027 and PGCET registration in April 2027.

Bangalore University Courses and Fees

Bangalore University runs undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and diploma programmes in Arts, Science, Commerce and Management, Education, Law, and Engineering. Its courses are offered at university campuses as well as through more than 680 affiliated colleges. The fee details below are for direct BU campus programmes, while affiliated college fees differ from one institution to another.

CourseDurationEligibilityFee
BA3 years10+2 from any recognised boardINR 21,458
B.Com3 years10+2 with Commerce / any streamINR 34,370
BCA3 years10+2 with MathematicsINR 39,020
B.Sc3 years10+2 with PCM or PCBINR 27,320
BE (Engineering, Affiliated)4 years10+2 with PCM and valid KCET scoreVaries by affiliated college
B.Arch5 years10+2 with Mathematics and valid NATA scoreINR 54,210
BA LLB5 years10+2INR 40,350
MBA2 yearsGraduation with valid PGCET or KMAT scoreINR 39,350
MCA3 yearsGraduation with Mathematics and valid PGCET scoreINR 39,350
M.Com / MA / M.Sc2 yearsRelevant UG degreeINR 16,300 to 54,500

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

The university also offers MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, MA in Advertising and Public Relations, MSW, M.P.Ed, and M.Performing Arts. Its Jnana Bharathi campus has 48 postgraduate departments, making it one of the largest state public university campuses in Karnataka for PG departments.

Bangalore University Admission Process

Bangalore University follows more than one admission route. KCET-based courses use centralised KEA counselling, while arts, commerce, and many PG programmes use direct university or college-level admission. The process changes by course group.

BE and B.Arch Admission

  • Eligibility: Students need 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The minimum mark requirement is 45% for General category and 40% for SC/ST/PwD students.
  • Entrance exam: BE admission is through KCET. B.Arch admission is through NATA or JEE Main Paper 2.
  • Cutoff context: KCET cutoffs for Bangalore University affiliated engineering colleges differ by college level and branch. Top affiliated colleges such as R.V. College and BMS College have very high KCET cutoffs, while direct BU-campus engineering cutoffs are lower.
  • Selection: KEA manages centralised counselling, choice filling, and seat allotment.

MBA and MCA Admission

  • Eligibility: MBA applicants need graduation in any stream. MCA applicants need graduation with Mathematics or BCA. A minimum 50% aggregate is required.
  • Entrance exam: PGCET is used for government-quota seats. KMAT, CAT, MAT, and CMAT scores are accepted for direct admission to BU MBA.
  • Selection: Government-quota seats are filled through KEA counselling. Management quota seats and admissions through CAT/MAT/CMAT scores are handled through direct BU counselling.

BA / B.Com / B.Sc / BCA Admission

For UG arts, commerce, science, and computer application courses, admission is based on 10+2 merit. Students apply directly through affiliated colleges or BU Central College. These courses do not require an entrance exam. Karnataka students with more than 60 percent in 10+2 are generally eligible for most UG streams.

Law, PG Humanities, and Research Admissions

BA LLB admission is based on CLAT, KLEE (Karnataka Law Entrance Exam), or direct merit. MA, M.Com, and M.Sc admission depends on BU PG Entrance Test merit. PhD admission is conducted by BU through Research Entrance Tests held twice a year for July and January intakes.

ProgrammeEntrance ExamCounselling Authority
BE (Engineering, Affiliated Colleges)KCET or JEE MainKEA (Karnataka Examinations Authority)
B.ArchNATA / JEE Main Paper 2KEA
MBAPGCET / KMAT / CAT / MAT / CMATKEA (Govt. quota) or Direct
MCAPGCETKEA
BA / B.Com / BCA / B.ScMerit in 10+2 with no entrance examDirect BU/College Admission
BA LLBCLAT / KLEE / Direct MeritBU Law School
MA / M.Com / M.Sc / M.EdBU PG Entrance Test / meritBU direct admission

Bangalore University Placements

Bangalore University placements are organised through the University Industry Relations and Placement Cell. The drives mainly cover MBA, MCA, M.Sc, and some other PG courses. In recent placement seasons, the highest offer stood at INR 10 LPA. According to NIRF 2025, 1,441 PG students were placed at a median salary of INR 4.5 LPA.

Note: Bangalore University placement data applies to direct-campus PG programmes such as MBA, MCA, MA, and M.Sc. It does not show the placement results of all 680+ affiliated colleges. Engineering and commerce outcomes differ widely by affiliated college and are not combined at BU level.

Wipro, Infosys, TCS, and Dell are among the recruiters visiting the BU campus. Law PG outcomes are higher than the overall PG median. NIRF 2025 data shows Law PG students receiving a median salary of INR 14 LPA, with placements in law firms, corporate legal roles, and the judiciary.

Programme StreamStudents Placed (NIRF 2025)Median Salary
PG (Overall)1,441INR 4.5 LPA
Law PG (LLM)45INR 14 LPA
PG 2-Year (MBA / MCA / M.Sc)Included in aboveINR 4.5 LPA (median)

Bangalore University Rankings

Bangalore University is placed at #65 overall in the NIRF India Rankings 2025. It also holds the 26th position among state public universities in India. Its NAAC Grade A++ accreditation is the highest NAAC grade.

Ranking BodyCategory2025 Rank
NIRFOverall (India)65
NIRFState Public Universities (India)26

Bangalore University is recognised by UGC and functions as an affiliating university. It is not affiliated to any parent university. The NAAC A++ grade reflects its performance in teaching-learning, research, infrastructure, and governance parameters.

Bangalore University Scholarships

Bangalore University students can apply for central government scholarships, Karnataka government scholarships, and university-linked merit awards. The university reports that 25 to 30 percent of students receive scholarships or fee concessions each year.

ScholarshipEligibilityCoverage
Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl ChildSingle girl child studying UG or PG at a recognised universityINR 36,200 per year (UGC-funded)
PG Scholarship for University Rank HoldersPG students who secured a rank in UG university examinationsINR 3,100 per month (UGC-funded)
Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Scholarship for Research in Social SciencesSingle girl child pursuing MPhil or PhD in Social SciencesINR 25,000 per month (UGC-funded)
Karnataka Government SC/ST/OBC ScholarshipSC/ST/OBC students from Karnataka who meet income rulesTuition and maintenance support through the Karnataka government portal
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)Minority and reserved-category students who meet income normsVariable per scheme

Students applying for government scholarships must register through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the Karnataka Scholarship portal. UGC-funded scholarships need applications through BU's scholarship cell before the given deadline.

Bangalore University Campus and Infrastructure

Bangalore University has two campuses in Bengaluru. The Jnana Bharathi campus in western Bengaluru spreads across 1,100 acres and includes 48 postgraduate departments, a central library, research centres, hostels, a health centre, an auditorium, and sports facilities. The Central College campus, near Cubbon Park in the city centre, has historic undergraduate departments and the law school in a compact heritage campus.

The Jnana Bharathi campus also has the main administrative offices, faculty buildings, and residential quarters for faculty and staff. Hostel facilities are available for PG students on a limited basis at Jnana Bharathi. Hostel fee details are not listed through the fee API, so students should confirm availability directly with the university during admission.

As an affiliating university, Bangalore University covers more than 680 affiliated colleges across Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Tumkur, and Kolar districts. Its total student reach is estimated at more than 3 lakh learners when affiliated college enrolments are included.

Bangalore University vs Mysore University vs Mangalore University

Students in Karnataka often compare Bangalore University with Mysore University (University of Mysore) and Mangalore University for postgraduate and research study. All three are UGC-recognised state affiliating universities in Karnataka with NAAC accreditation and NIRF rankings.

ParameterBangalore UniversityUniversity of MysoreMangalore University
LocationBengaluru, KarnatakaMysuru, KarnatakaMangalore, Karnataka
Established1964 (Independent 1973)19161980
NAAC GradeA++A+A+
NIRF Overall 202565Top 100Top 200
Affiliated Colleges680+200+170+
MBA Fees (BU Campus)INR 39,350INR 30,000 to 50,000INR 30,000 to 50,000
Unique StrengthLargest affiliated network in Karnataka, 1,100-acre Jnana Bharathi campusOldest Karnataka university, strong humanities and researchCoastal Karnataka anchor, strong business and management

Mysore University is Karnataka's oldest university and has a strong research background, mainly in humanities and sciences. Mangalore University serves as a key institution for coastal Karnataka and has links with regional industries. Bangalore University stands out for its scale, 680-college affiliating network, 1,100-acre Jnana Bharathi campus, and NIRF 65 rank, which is the highest among the three.

Bangalore University FAQs

Ques. What rank did Bangalore University get in NIRF 2025?

Ans. Bangalore University holds the 65th overall rank in NIRF India Rankings 2025. It is also ranked 26th among state public universities in India and has NAAC Grade A++ accreditation.

Ques. How much does the MBA programme cost at Bangalore University?

Ans. The total MBA fee for the direct campus programme at Bangalore University is INR 39,350 for two years. This amount applies to BU campus seats, while affiliated colleges set their own MBA fee structures.

Ques. Which entrance scores are used for Bangalore University MBA admission?

Ans. For government-quota MBA seats, Bangalore University uses PGCET scores through KEA counselling. Direct quota admission can be based on KMAT, CAT, MAT, or CMAT scores. Applicants must have a graduation degree in any discipline with at least 50% marks.

Ques. What is the size of Bangalore University's affiliated college network?

Ans. Bangalore University has more than 680 affiliated colleges across southern Karnataka. Its affiliated districts include Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Tumkur, and Kolar.

Ques. Are Bangalore University and Bengaluru City University one institution?

Ans. No. Bengaluru City University (BCU) is a separate university that was formed out of Bangalore University. Bangalore University still works as an independent state university with its own courses and affiliated colleges.

Ques. What is the top placement package reported at Bangalore University?

Ans. The highest recent offer for Bangalore University's direct campus placements was INR 10 LPA. NIRF 2025 data shows 1,441 PG students placed at a median salary of INR 4.5 LPA, while Law PG students recorded a higher median salary of INR 14 LPA.

Ques. Can students get hostel accommodation at Bangalore University?

Ans. PG students can get hostel facilities at the Jnana Bharathi campus, but seats are limited. Students should check hostel availability with the university during admission because the number of seats may change each year.

Ques. Which scholarships can Bangalore University students apply for?

Ans. Students may apply for UGC-funded scholarships such as the Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child worth INR 36,200 per year and the PG Scholarship for University Rank Holders worth INR 3,100 per month. Karnataka government SC/ST/OBC scholarships and National Scholarship Portal schemes are also available. The university reports that 25 to 30 percent of students receive scholarships or fee concessions every year.